Ripplevale School is committed to providing a safe and secure environment in which pupils feel happy, valued and able to develop and reach their true potential. The boarding provision plays a key part in this process by helping to create a ‘learning and caring community’.
The residential provision provides for five day term time only boarding. Boys come into school on Sunday evenings and return home Friday afternoon. The aim is to provide a fully inclusive 24 hour curriculum. 
Accommodation is provided in the large Georgian mansion house which provides  mostly single bedrooms. The main house has a large lounge for use of all the pupils with an additional lounge available for smaller groups or quiet activities. Sky television is available in both of these lounges. All meals are taken in the main dining room and mealtimes are considered to be a social occasion. In addition there is a small games room with computer and supervised internet access. There is also a pool room on the first floor residential pupils are able to use the school gym in the evenings.
There are a wide range of evening activities varying from snowboarding to trip to the cinema. Pupils are also encouraged to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. The school has an inshore boat which allows for river trips during the summer term.
The school has an active school council and participation from all pupils is encouraged either directly or through their democratically elected representative. All Year 10 and 11 pupils are encouraged to complete an accredited first aid and food handling course prior to their leaving Ripplevale School.
In addition each pupil follows a documented life skills programme throughout the age ranges which records levels of achievement in the very wide range of personal skills necessary to equip any young person for the adult world.